This weekend, a pivotal moment awaits in Paris. A man and a woman will step onto the court, striving for their first Grand Slam title. Among Mirra Andreeva and Maja Chwalińska, and Alexander Zverev and Flavio Cobolli, one will achieve their career highlight. Yet, it’s possible they might miss opportunities along the way. The French Open has been a test for many elites, with closing matches proving challenging.
The anguish of missed chances may linger long after they leave the court. Jannik Sinner still remembers last year’s final. As the world No. 1 from Italy, Sinner let a two-set lead and three championship points slip against Carlos Alcaraz. This year’s French Open proved no easier, with Sinner faltering against Juan Manuel Cerúndolo of Argentina in a shocking second-round upset. The locker room holds fellow players who understand such moments all too well.
Tommy Paul of the U.S. faced similar grief, losing to Norway’s Casper Ruud in a five-set clash. Paul missed two match points in the fourth set, joining Frances Tiafoe in disappointment. Tiafoe had a commanding fourth set against Matteo Arnaldi from Italy but lost his advantage and ultimately, the match. The defending champion, Coco Gauff, experienced this pain firsthand when her title defense ended prematurely. Gauff once believed in pretending a match had endless sets to play, enabling her to win without giving up. But against Anastasia Potapova, she faltered.
“I think that’s maybe the issue too,” Gauff commented. “When I see the momentum is on my side, I should keep putting my foot on the gas instead of maybe letting up a little bit.”
Gauff acknowledged hoping to adopt Potapova’s approach, playing with the freedom of one not worried about losing. Potapova rallied from a break down, securing victory. Gauff realized the need to maintain high intensity while having the lead.
Closing a tennis match involves solving a great riddle. Champions play each point with merit, yet not all points hold equal weight. Game points, set points, match points, and championship points each carry varying levels of pressure and significance. At crucial moments, the tension can warp into a maelstrom.
Rafael Nadal holds 22 Grand Slam titles, 14 in Paris alone. He tackled this problem by treating every point like the last. Nadal’s obsessive routine calmed him during matches. Different players, much like pitchers in baseball, feel the intensity of final match points differently.
Aryna Sabalenka faced similar hurdles at this year’s tournament. Up against Diana Shnaider in the quarterfinals, Sabalenka stumbled at closing moments repeatedly. Up 30-0 in the second set and two points from victory, she failed to capitalize on her advantage. The pressure prevented her from sustaining her lead.
Tommy Paul, seasoned in losing match points and saving matches, acknowledged the heightened tension at closing moments. His Australian Open experience was echoed at the Miami Open but still couldn’t protect him, losing crucial matches in Paris.
Flavio Cobolli faced similar stress when his fourth-round match against Zachary Svajda went awry. Despite leading two service breaks, Cobolli found himself overwhelmed by anxiety.
Cobolli’s peer, Sinner, experienced similar moments. His epic final in 2025 led to crucial reflections with his team. This introspection led him to more courage when facing key moments, surpassing his history with Alcaraz.
The Miami Open showcased Sinner’s strategies, trying to enjoy pressure and even find brighter moments for advantage.
Anna Kalinskaya recently triumphed by outlasting Potapova, ensuring continuous movement throughout the match.
Maja Chwalińska hopes to close her biggest win yet. Likewise, Paul has experienced both sides of closing out matches throughout the year.
Paul considers the psychology of closing matches but acknowledges how his routines may not stick when stress hits.
Sabalenka spoke of stress spirals impacting playing accuracy. Such pressure is difficult to hold and difficult to outplay opponents.
Paul tries matching pressure, waiting for opponents’ errors, but sometimes they surprise him.
Alexander Zverev reflects on past losses but recognizes the advantage experience provides. He hopes to harness his journey, stepping into his first Grand Slam final with maturity.
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